Two men were airlifted to hospital after going into cardiac arrest during the incident shortly after midday.

The pair were transferred to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and were in a serious but stable condition.

The Coastguard confirmed that a body was recovered as it called off its search operation for the missing man, who was from London.

A spokesman said: "After an extensive search of the Camber Sands area and the surrounding sea, UK Coastguard has called off the search for a missing swimmer who was seen struggling in the water earlier today.